Local News

Now that clocks have been changed, be sure to test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as well.

Rural Metro Fire reminds the public to make sure the batteries are good, and that the alarm itself is not older than 10 years. Be sure to replace it if needed. Also check your fire extinguishers by making sure the gauge indicates a full charge (in the green), the hose isn't clogged, and the powder floats freely inside the container when turned upside down.

Having properly functioning alarms near sleeping areas in your home is one of the simplest actions to ensure the safety of you and your family in the event of a fire.

 

The Board of Commissioners met in open session to review and evaluate the employment related performance of Facilities Director Ryan Johnson, who requested an open hearing.

In conclusion to the process after the board decided to implement a performance improvement plan and discuss the informal investigation from their September 28th meeting with Johnson, the board assembled to answer questions before beginning the plan.

Johnson was given a chance to read the documents provided by Human Resources, so at the close, input could be given. He read a statement objecting to how the process has been handled, and stated he didn't receive information prior to today's meeting. He requested the matter be tabled until provided documentation and given time to review with Legal Counsel. Following the statement, he said he wasn't feeling well and was going to take time off, then left the meeting.

Human Resources said Johnson submitted a formal appeal today in response to the process, which will be filed with HR, then potentially go to the Board for final decision.

Commissioners Ron Smith and Colene Martin said it was the first time they had seen a report on the investigation. Per Human Resources, the performance improvement plan was supported by the board, and an attempt was made to deliver it to Johnson. It was reportedly not clear if his response was an acceptance or denial.

Johnson didn't review the documents at the open session. It was recommended that, should he reach out, non-disciplinary action be taken, and assistance be provided to him. Human Resources said they will reach out for clarification on his comment to take time off. Confirmation had been received that everyone was provided and read the Performance Improvement Plan.

Commissioner Smith left to attend to a family matter, and Commissioner Martin adjourned the meeting

 

A WinCo theft suspect was reported by loss prevention and apprehended by responding police Thursday.

A man reported to be wearing camo pants, a camo coat, white shoes, and a black hat was reported to dispatch at 1:36 p.m. after stealing items from the 231 NE Terry Lane grocer. He proceeded to eat the merchandise in his vehicle, and loss prevention requested he not only be charged, but trespassed.

Grants Pass Police arrived and contacted Joshua Keyes and his partner inside the parked Toyota 4-Runner. Both were detained, and Keyes consented to a search of his person, and a baggie with residue was found and tested positive for cocaine.

It was determined less than $50 worth of food was stolen, and Keyes was taken into custody. His partner was released following a search. Officers lodged Keyes in jail for Possession of Cocaine and Third Degree Theft.

 

A woman screaming at McDonalds was reported to dispatch and eventually arrested by Grants Pass Police.

The suspect was reportedly screaming and throwing things by the drive thru exit of the 204 NE Beacon Drive restaurant Thursday around 4:33 p.m. Law enforcement was requested, and they tracked down the suspect at the intersection of Parkway and F Street.

She identified herself as Susan Taylor, but was quickly confirmed to be Natasha Taylor. She was wanted out of the Josephine County Sheriff's Office for Third Degree Theft, and three counts of Second Degree Criminal Trespass.

Officers took Taylor into custody and transported her to the Adult Jail Facility for lodging.

 

The Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries gave a presentation to the community in the Anne G. Basker Auditorium regarding work to be done in the County.

Beginning at 10 a.m., the agency discussed the important minerals found in Josephine County, highlighting critical minerals like carbon, silver, nickel, cobalt and chromium among others.

A first step for the agency before going to workshops is taking inventory of what's known, like the long history of mining in Oregon. The Northeast and Southwest regions have been known hot spots over the years, with copper, mercury, and nickel having been heavily produced. A statewide assessment is then put together, showing regions where prospective critical commodities are located.

Current projects focused on critical minerals, mapping, and assessment in the County include a 2025-2028 Mine Waste Assessment, an Area Electric Magnetic survey over the next year, and pending proposals including the 2027 Geologic Mapping Project. The generation of geologic hydrogen was discussed, and a data gap analysis is underway.

When asked why the county is struggling financially despite the mineral wealth in the area, it was said that work being done with industrial partners could help the county financially, but that it's still a work in progress.

Further information can be found at www.oregon.gov/dogami.

 

Grants Pass Police arrested a man for methamphetamine possession and trespassing after contacting him on Oregon Department of Transportation property.

This morning at 3:30, the suspect, Elijah Shanor, was contacted while standing on the bike path near Grants Pass Equipment Rentals with his belongings on the ground. He had been trespassed from the location back previously, and was taken into custody for Criminal Trespass in the Second Degree.

A consent search was conducted, and a glass pipe with burnt residue was located on his person. The burnt white substance field tested presumptive positive for meth, so Shanor was also charged with Meth Possession. Officers lodged him in the Josephine County Jail.

 

Anglers who plan to fish for winter steelhead in the Rogue Basin or on the South Coast can begin purchasing the Rogue-South Coast Steelhead validation and wild steelhead harvest tags November 1st.

The validation is required for all winter steelhead anglers fishing in these areas from December 1st to April 30th. A separate wild winter steelhead harvest tag is required to keep wild winter steelhead.

To purchase these products, change the purchase year to 2027 when entering the product catalogue in the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's Electronic Licensing System. To continue using the validation and harvest card after January 1st, remember to buy a 2027 Angling License, Combination License, or Sports Pac.

Visit the Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation webpage for more details including how to report any wild winter steelhead harvested and answers to frequently asked questions.

Anglers should note that wild harvest regulations vary, and some locations don’t open to wild winter steelhead until after December 1st. Check the regulations before you go or contact the ODFW Gold Beach office (541-247-7605) or Central Point office (541-826-8774).

 

Evidence and testimony was presented to a Jackson County Grand Jury related to the investigation into the officer-involved shooting that occurred on "A" Street in Ashland October 26th. According to the Jackson County District Attorney's Office, at approximately 2 a.m. that Monday, Ashland Police Department officers Alex Vela and Lorenzo Elder responded to a business alarm on A Street and encountered Phillip Battaglia, 36, armed with a knife. He threatened the officers upon their arrival, ignored repeated commands to drop the knife, and advanced toward Officer Vela. When Battaglia reached the front of Vela’s patrol vehicle still holding the knife, Vela fired two shots, striking Battaglia in the leg and stopping his advance. Even after being shot and while still on the ground, Battaglia swung the knife in the direction of Officer Elder and continued refusing commands. He eventually dropped the knife, and officers immediately provided medical aid until Ashland firefighters arrived.

 

A vehicle crash was reported on Highland Avenue near the Interstate 5 overpass around 10:01 p.m. Thursday.

According to Rural Metro, the vehicle ended up in the ditch after taking out a tree and catching fire. A Good Samaritan who was first to arrive was able to pull the occupants from the vehicle to escape the flames.

Firefighters suppressed the flames as American Medical Response treated the injured. The roadway was temporarily blocked as emergency crews processed the scene. The Josephine County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation.